honest

[on-ist] / ˈɒn ɪst /

ADJECTIVE

truthful, candid

Synonyms

STRONGEST

authentic conscientious decent equitable fair forthright genuine honorable impartial proper reliable sincere straightforward true trustworthy virtuous

WEAK

aboveboard bona fide direct ethical fair and square frank high-minded ingenuous just law-abiding lay it on the line like it is no lie on the level on the up and up open outright plain real reputable scrupulous straight true blue trusty undisguised unfeigned upfront upright veracious what you see is what you get

Antonyms

STRONGEST

biased corrupt counterfeit deceitful deceptive devious dishonest false insincere irresponsible partial prejudiced unfair unjust unreal unreasonable unreliable unsuitable untrustworthy

WEAK

fraudulent lying misleading treacherous untruthful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I think being a little bit more savvy, understanding that being too honest at times is probably too much of a fault for us."

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

“I look forward to having a robust and honest conversation about how we actually protect what is culturally very dear to members of my community.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

It isn’t histrionic; it is honest, and it is awful — but those are the accurate emotions.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

I have to be honest, I have no idea what type of parent I will be.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

He understood its people, both honest and corrupt.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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